Papilio polytes

Common Mormon

Basic Information

General information

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight:
62 Total Number of Pupae Received:
9829 First Flown On:
10/14/02
Last Flown On:
05/18/18

Species Range:

“Asia”

Host plants:

Citrus trees are the primary host plant but they will also feed on a variety of species in the family Rutaceae.

Food Source

The adults will feed on a variety of different flowers.

Etymology Of Name

The genus Papilio is Latin for butterfly. Poly in the species is Greek for many or more.

Habitat

The Common Mormon is primarily found in the open plains, especially in areas where the host plant is found. The Common Mormon seems to do very well in urban situations.

Life history

The male and female adults tend to be very active fliers especially while nectaring. After mating, the females visit host plants, laying their eggs one at a time. The larvae feed on the host plant until they pupate.

Flights

There are multiple broods each year making it possible to find adults flying almost all year round.

Fun Facts

The Common Mormon is sexually dimorphic meaning the males and females look different from each other. Along with being sexually dimorphic the females are known to come in 3 different forms. One of those forms mimics Pachliopta aristolochiae (Common Rose) which is distasteful to predators.